Village explores self-parking garage
Few would argue with the assertion that trying to park in Mamaroneck’s downtown business district is a pain, but that may be alleviated for local drivers if the village is successful in its bid to bring in the latest parking technology--a garage that parks your vehicle for you.

The village was approached by a company out of New Jersey called Seymour Building about constructing a robotic parking facility in the downtown area. A similar facility developed by AutoMotion created quite the buzz not too long ago when it opened in New York City’s Chinatown.

The proposed tiered parking structure includes constructing 180-240 spots in the downtown area near the train station, with the Spencer Place parking lot identified as the primary concept location, said Village Manager Richard Slingerland. The estimated price tag for the project would be about $5 million, but village officials believe there could be funding for it.

The technology utilized in the construction of the garage would provide a great many efficiencies, said Slingerland. Village Mayor Norman Rosenblum said that with the push for green projects at the federal and state levels, there is money available for this. “It’s a very green building; there’s very little impact,” he said.

The village has already applied for federal grant funding for approximately half the estimated cost of the project through Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s office. Though village officials heard a presentation from Seymour Building, the village will put it out for public bid because they will come in at well over the $1 million mark.

Rosenblum noted that these are very preliminary actions, an initial foray into the world of robotic parking.

“It is a known fact that one of the biggest needs in the Village of Mamaroneck is extra parking,” said Rosenblum. “This is one of the most practical ways to get it if we can receive funds for it.”